Sixers vs. Mavericks takeaways: Defensive struggles, Georges Niang’s funk, and more

DALLAS — Recently, the 76ers have had zero answers when it comes to defending three-point shooters.

While on the topic of shooters, Georges Niang is in a funk. And the Sixers need to do a better job of sustaining runs.

Those three things stood out in the Sixers’ 133-126 setback to the Dallas Mavericks Thursday night at the American Airlines Center.

Straightaway, folks will remember how Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving scored almost at will against the Sixers. Dončić had 42 points while making 7 of 13 three-pointers. Meanwhile, Irving added 40 points as he hit 6 of 8 threes.

Led by the All-Star backcourt, the Mavs’ overall ability to make three-pointers was a difference in the game. The Mavs made 25 of 48 three-pointers, tying a franchise record for the most made threes in a single game. Dallas also hit 25 of 45 at the New Orleans Pelicans on Feb. 21, 2021.

» READ MORE: Sixers come out on losing end of 133-126 shootout with Dallas Mavericks

Thursday night’s defensive shortcomings came five days after the Boston Celtics made 16 of 36 three-pointers against the Sixers.

“We got to be more solid on the ball,” Tobias Harris said. ”It’s easier said than done when you have those types of dynamic scorers. But for us, we do have to understand that the teams that get that many looks up at threes. They obviously shot it up at a really high rate, but you do have to get those shooters off the line and put guys in position to make in different ways.”

Niang is at his best when knocking down three-point shots.

Depending on the matchup, the reserve power forward has a tough time staying on the floor when he isn’t doing that.

He failed to score on Thursday after shooting 0-for-2 (both three-pointers) in 11 minutes, 32 seconds. This comes after Niang received a DNP coach’s decision in Wednesday’s victory over the Miami Heat.

He’s been in a shooting slump over the past 10 games, averaging 4.1 points while shooting 22.9% from behind the three-point line.

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The Sixers got back into the game against the Mavs with a 15-0 run, closing the gap to 110-106, with 9 minutes, 22 seconds remaining. However, they could not sustain the run. The Mavericks responded with a 12-2 run of their own. Then the Sixers got back into game. But that particular Dallas run was a major blow to their momentum.

“Fourth quarter, we turned it over too much,” Harris said, “to try to give us a chance to really get back into the game.”

Best performance: This goes to Dončić for finishing with a team-high 12 assists along with his game-high 42 points.

Worst performance: I had to give this to Niang.

Best defensive performance: This was a tough one because there wasn’t a lot of defense being played. Guys happened to compile statistics, but weren’t making a lot of stops. So I gave this to Joel Embiid. The Sixers center had two steals.

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Worst statistic: This goes to the Mavs’ foul shooting. They shot just 66.7% from the foul line.

Best statistic: This goes to the Mavs’ three-point shooting.

Best individual statistic: This goes to De’Anthony Melton’s steals. The Sixers shooting guard had five steals.

Worst individual statistic: This goes to P.J. Tucker’s plus-minus. The Sixers power forward was minus-30.

Worst of the worst: This was tough matchup for the Sixers the moment the schedule was released. It’s tough to play Miami one night then have to fly to Dallas the next for another opponent. Doc Rivers received a lot of flack earlier in the season for calling a road setback to the Cleveland Cavaliers a schedule loss. But that’s exactly what this one was.